Sheriff Halts Evacuations Near Hailey Fire

BOISE, Idaho (AP) – Authorities have lifted all mandatory evacuation orders stemming from a growing wildfire near the community of Hailey.

The Blaine County Sheriff’s Office said Monday afternoon it lifted the evacuation order for 20 homes along Croesus Creek Road and Rodeo Drive. The orders had been in place when the fire was advancing toward private property.

Fire officials estimate that the Colorado Gulch Fire has grown to about a square mile since it began Sunday evening, leading authorities to call in more engines and air support – including an air tanker Monday.

Kelsey Dehoney of the U.S. Bureau of Land Management says fire crews expect to contain the fire by Tuesday.

A message on the Blaine County Sheriff’s Office website says crews are working to restore power to the neighborhoods close to the fire.